Learn to Tango

Argentine Tango Lessons : Stokeinteignhead
Term 2: Lesson 4 (Part2)

Introduction to Tango Waltz

Aim of the lesson:
To introduce dancers to a turn in waltz time.

Warm up exercises

• Walking forward and backwards on the first beat of a three-beat bar
• Forward and backwards ochos, stepping on the first beat of a three-beat bar
• Walking forwards and backwards to a waltz rhythm (see last week)
• Walking with a partner to a waltz rhythm

Introducing a turn in a waltz rhythm
Leaders begin by taking a side step with your left foot to your left. Close your right foot to your left changing your weight to the right foot. Step forwards with your left foot. Once your stepped forwards lead your partner to rotate backwards by taking your right shoulder backwards and your left shoulder forwards. (This will only work if they maintain tone in their arms.) Once your partner has rotated step forwards onto your right foot, rotating to match their turn, close your left foot to your right and bring them to a halt by the tone in your upper body.

The rhythm that you are aiming for in this movement is:

1	2	3	/	1	2	3	/	1	2	3	/	1	2	3
S		C		S		P		S				C

S=Step

C=Close

P=Rotate your partner using your upper body framework.

Follower
This really is a move where, if you don’t fight your partner (!), the following happens automatically. Your partner will cause you to step to your right with your right foot. DON’T change feet when they do (so your weight remains on your right foot).

Step backwards onto your left foot as your partner steps forwards. Keep your weight on your left foot and rotate round to your right when your partner gives you the impetus to move. (You must maintain tone in your arms if your to do this successfully). You should find that your feet then automatically go ‘step behind, step side, step front’ (using the right, left and right respectively). You might find that your last step (with the right foot) is more like a forward ocho, depending on how your partner leads you to a stop.

The followers movements fit the following pattern approximately although the rhythm of the final three steps (behind, side, front) may vary:

1	2	3	/	1	2	3	/	1	2	3	/	1	2	3
S				S		R		S	S			S

 

Try mixing this move with the waltz time walking and the ochos.

And remember, there NO LESSON on Bank Holiday Monday.

 

Term 2 Lessons

Argentine Tango Lesson 1

Argentine Tango Lesson 4

Argentine Tango Lesson 4 (Part2)